Go Green...Beginners Paradise

March 6, 2017 | By: Kent Wilhelmi

New Mexico is not only an affordable winter destination, we’re also a great place to get started with skiing or snowboarding. Each one of our mountain resorts boast unique and world-class ski school programs that are complimentary to any family’s budget. From the award-winning Ernie Blake Snowsports school at Taos, to the never-ever packages at nearby Sipapu – we’ll have all abilities in your family covered.

To celebrate learning to ski or snowboard, here are just a few of our favorite beginner (green circle!) runs:

Cibola @ Sandia Peak

Winding it’s way from summit to base, Cibola is perhaps the penultimate beginner run at Sandia Peak. Groomed to a curdoroy crisp each morning, this trail takes in every inch of the mountain’s 1,700 feet of vertical drop, making it a long, but supremely mellow cruise.

Evershine Ridge @ Pajarito

Dropping skier’s right from the Townsight quad, Evershine Ridge has some of the most spectacular views of the Los Alamos area you’ll find in all of the Jemez. Like most runs at Pajarito, Evershine comes with a few surprise drops, and serves up a particularly thrilling ride for a trail rated “green.”

La Bajada @ Angel Fire

Set up towards the end of the action from the Southwest Flyer detachable quad, La Bajada is perfect for newcomers to hone their skills away from the “action” and usual bustle of the rest of the mountain. It winds it’s way easily alongside several other runs in this pod, making it a gracious stepping stone towards more challenging terrain.

Jackalope Quad @ Sipapu

Recently installed at Sipapu, the Jackalope 4-seater turns almost exclusively for beginners. If perhaps you’ve graduated from the nearby Practice Slope, but may not be prepared for a trip to the upper mountain, Jackalope has you covered with mellow, green cruisers, and naturally progressing blues.

Summit Camp Pod @ Red River

Summit Camp stands out in that it gives beginner skiers a chance to explore the upper mountain; the terrain is gentle, scenic, and set up perfectly for families with children. New for this season, the Green double chair serving this area has become the Emerald, and upgraded to a four-seater quad.